We are all familiar with important dates throughout the year such as Black History Month, which starts on February 1, or Women’s History Month, which begins on March 1. The Latinx community also celebrates Latinx Heritage Month, but there’s something that sets it apart from the other celebratory months: its beginning date in the middle of September. Who made this strange decision? 

About Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1986, President Lyndon Johnson decided that the week of September 15 would be the National Hispanic Heritage Week from that moment on. But it was all thanks to the Latinx community who, inspired by the strong civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the front lines, began organizing for equality and justice. 

Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan stipulated there would be a whole month for this observance, but the beginning date remained. Why? Well, that’s because the majority of Latin American countries became independent from their colonizers around this time period, so it’s a nice gesture of recognizing their fight against their oppressors. 

I’m a Latinx. Where Is The Fiesta?

If you are a Latino/a/x or a Latinx ally and wish to take part in the festivities, you are in luck! Here’s a list of activities you can enjoy in 5 big cities:

New York City, NY

  • (Since September 5) Hispanic Society Museum & Library: enjoy the programming and exhibitions about Mexican artists.
  • (Since September 10) New York Public Library: take advantage of the wide range of activities happening every day.
  • (Since September 12) Bronx County Historical Society: take a look at a grat exhibit of Puerto Rican photographers.
  • (September 15) Mexican Independence Day Parade: the event will take place in Staten Island, so march with your head held high!
  • (September 15) Carnaval de la Cultura Latina: in Queens, celebrate Latinx culture through music, food, and live entertainment.
  • (September 29) Hispanic Day Parade: colorful floats, traditional music and dance performances, marching bands, and Hispanic cuisine.
  • (September 15-October 15) Museum of Broadway: this month-long exhibit celebrates Latino and Hispanic heritage throughout Broadway.
  • (Since October 10) El Museo del Barrio's: a survey of Latinx contemporary art, featuring more than 30 artists from the US, Puerto Rico and across the diaspora.
  • (All year long) The Latino Experience: a selection of a wide range of Latinx experiences, businesses and cultural offerings.
Image Credit: Robinson Avila

Houston, TX

  • (September 13) Regional Mexican music at Escapade: enjoy some traditional music from Adevrzo, Pilotos de Chihuahua and La Cuadrilla Norteña.
  • (September 15) Fiestas Patrias: Traders Village will celebrate with mariachi music, ballet folklórico performances, Aztec dancers, drinks and food vendors.
  • (September 15) El Grito at Miller: The Miller Outdoor Theatre will exhibit the music, poetry, dance and traditional attire of Veracruz, Mexico.
  • (September 19-September 24) Children’s Museum Houston: performances and activities for kids, including piñata decorating, a weaving workshop, story time with Univision and a mariachi performance.
  • (September 20) México en el Corazón: join the big party at Discovery Green Park and enjoy the best of the Folkloric dances and traditional music from Mexico.
  • (September 20-September 22) Hispanic Heritage Month with the Astros: at Minute Maid Park, the Astros will take on the Los Angeles Angels with fun activities!
  • (October 20) Sazon Latin Food Festival: at Karbach Brewery, enjoy live salsa music and plenty of curated food options from all over Latin America!

Chicago, IL

  • (September 13) Hispanic Heritage Night with the White Sox: enjoy a friendly game of baseball with the whole family.
  • (September 14 and 15) El Grito Chicago: celebrate in Grant Park with an exciting lineup of live performances by Mexican artists
  • (September 15) Mexican Independence Day Parade: this year’s theme, “Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones,” will highlight traditions from various regions.
  • (Since September 20) Día de Muertos exhibition: an art exhibition dedicated to Ray Patlán, a Chicago muralist and painter, at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
  • (September 28-September 29) Celebración de los Árboles: explore the vibrant cultures and traditions of Latin America in The Morton Arboretum
  • (October 5) Canto Latino: a performance of different staples of music like samba (Brazil), mapalé (Colombia), morenada (Bolivia), joropo (Venezuela) and many more.
  • (All year long) liminal: LGBTQ+ Chicago-Boricua Imaginings: this exhibition explores a brief history of LGBTQ+ Boricua advocacy in the city.

Los Angeles, CA

Image Credit: Robinson Avila

Miami, FL

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